A review by dimayj
Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age by Sanjay Gupta

3.0

In this book, neurosurgeon and CNN chief medical correspondent, Dr Sanjay Gupta, provides a science-based guide about brain health, albeit with a focus on cognitive decline and lifestyle practices that could protect or delay brain decline.⁣

The book starts with a self-assessment the reader can take to assess their risk for cognitive decline. Subsequent chapters are divided into 3 parts. The first part covers scientific facts about the brain, eight potential factors that can cause cognitive decline, and dispels myths about the brain. In the second part, the author provides 5 main lifestyle factors and practical strategies to improve brain function. Part 2 ends with a 12-week programme to implement these strategies. In part 3, the book focuses on diagnosing and treating neurodegenerative brain diseases and the challenges for patients and their caregivers.⁣

The book was a little bit oversimplified, repetitive, and didn't offer anything revolutionary, especially if you've read books about brain health before. The "keep sharp" strategies were just the usual common-sense advice of eating healthy food, exercising, sleeping well, etc. Nevertheless, the book is a clear, science-backed, and enjoyable read. So, I would consider it as a self-help primer on brain health and would recommend it to readers with no background knowledge about the subject.⁣